Tehran , Iran -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iran plans to launch satellites into orbit early in the new year , its defense minister told the semi-official Fars news agency Wednesday .

`` This satellite , which was built by Iranian scientists , is a big step for the continued presence of Iran in space and for taking advantage of the opportunities offered in this field , '' Gen. Ahmad Vahidi said .

The launches of the Tolou satellites -- which means `` sunrise '' in Farsi -- are scheduled to take place in February and March , according to Fars .

Iran launched its first satellite , Omid , in February , an event that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad hailed at the time as a `` source of pride '' for the Islamic republic .

The U.S. State Department expressed `` grave concern '' over the launch .

`` Developing a space launch vehicle that could ... put a satellite into orbit could possibly lead to development of a ballistic missile system , '' State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood told reporters . `` So that 's of grave concern to us . ''

The Pentagon called the February launch `` clearly a concern of ours . ''

`` Although this appears to be satellite , there are dual-use capabilities that could be applied to missiles , and that 's a concern to us and everybody in region , '' Defense Department spokesman Geoff Morrell said at the time .

For Iran , the planned launches are an important step for its military .

`` Using these modern technologies , Iran 's armed forces are capable of catching the enemies off guard , identifying their software and hardware potential and depriving the enemy of movement and maneuverability , '' Vahidi told Fars .

The development comes as the international community considers additional sanctions against Iran should Tehran not answer questions about its nuclear program . Western powers fear Iran is intent on developing nuclear weapons , an allegation Tehran denies .

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Iran reportedly plans to launch Tolou satellites into orbit in February and March

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`` This satellite ... is a big step for the continued presence of Iran in space , '' defense chief says

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U.S. State Department had `` grave concern '' about Iran 's first satellite launch this year

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U.S. official : Sateliite launches could lead to development of ballistic missile system